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Cape Town - The Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United will be the first "billion-pound game", according to financial analysts Vysyble.
Both clubs have a combine revenue turnover of £1.5 billion for the 2016/17 financial year.
Gunners have claimed £424 million while United earned a record £581 million as both clubs doubled their percentage increases from the previous year.
“This is a remarkable achievement for the Premier League in terms of reflecting the success in driving revenues via lucrative TV rights deals,” said Vysyble’s Roger Bell as quoted by Kwese Sports website.
However, Bell states that the large sum of capital coming into the Premier League does not all turn into profit, as the clubs in the world’s most watched league have hefty wage bills and transfer fees.
“This is part of a longer-term trend whereby clubs in general are finding it very difficult, despite their record revenue levels, to generate value and achieve an economic profit, which is where all the costs of doing business are accounted for, including taxes,” he said.
Bell added: “We continue to worry for the game's longer-term health and structure as the continued quest for revenue will inevitably lead the top clubs to look beyond current competition formats.”
Arsenal (fourth) and United (second) take centre stage at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with both sides looking to keep up with Manchester City (first) at the summit of the log standings.
After 14 matches played, Arsene Wenger's charges have accumulated 28 points from nine wins, four losses and one draw.
The Red Devils are eight points (32) adrift from their arch-rivals City after a midweek away victory to Watford. Jose Mourinho's side have won 10 games, drawn two and loss two.
Kick-off is at 19:30.
